Cafe La Haye
After a long day of wine tasting, my mom picked me up and we headed to dinner at Cafe La Haye. We parked smack dab in the center of Sonoma Square and walked only a block or so before arriving at this super quaint spot. Crisp white linens and subway tile laced with local art – we were into it even before menus arrived.
The restaurant was described to us as “REAL farm to table, fantastic food!” and it met every expectation that came from that description. My mom and I were both drawn to the seafood heavy specials board and ordered solely from that list. Seared dayboat scallop with corn ravioli and creamed spinach, grilled ahi tuna with sauce gribiche, frisee, artichoke and peppers, and Alaskan halibut with smashed yukon potatoes and lacinato kale.
Every dish we had was pretty spectacular, but my mom and I both agreed that the scallop starter took the prize. There’s something about creamed spinach that we’re both very much drawn to. And if you mix a favorite with carb and seafood, well you’ve got yourself a winner in the Vrana book.
We were both so happy with our first meal in Sonoma and highly recommend this place to future visitors. Another trip to Sonoma is already on my list and dinner at Cafe La Haye will be another must as well.
Sonoma To Napa And Back
After waking up bright and entirely too early, I took my time getting ready and headed over to Ram’s Gate Winery to meet up with the wedding crew for a tasting. And as soon as everyone walked up, it was like no time had passed. There were hugs all around and, from that point forward, we’d look at each other through 20-year old eyes.
We spent most of our time at Ram’s Gate introducing ourselves to Ryan and Jen’s family, all the while taking in the beyond beautiful scenery. And afterwards, our tipsy selves headed outside to do ballet walk amongst the grapes and ooh and ahh.
From there, I sort of unknowingly signed up for a mini adventure to Napa. The Shea’s were able to convince the folks at Far Niente to add me to their group through the use of accents, role playing, and overall trickery. Their creativity paid off because this tour was one of the most entertainingly wonderful touristy things I’ve ever experienced.
And before we knew it, the only things we’d consumed since breakfast were wine and cheese. It could have been a problem, but my mom swooped me up on the way to our dinner reservations and everything was A-Ok!
Heading To Sonoma
So it’s that time. Ryan, my brother from another mother (notice the ginger locks), is getting hitched. He and Jen are getting married in Sonoma and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’m heading out there for a Wednesday to Sunday trip and taking my mom along for the culinary ride. The greatest of friends, my mama, wine, food, food, wine. Srlsy.
Other than wedding shenanigans, I have two restaurants on the books: Cafe La Haye and Foreign Cinema. Cafe La Haye came highly recommended through John Baydale, the president of Uchi Restaurants (thanks again for that one, Molly!!).
And Foreign Cinema was unanimously suggested by three of my ultimate foodie friends that frequent the San Fran area.
I cannot, cannot wait for this adventure to begin. See you soon, Ryan & Jen!